Crossroads
To my husband, Mark, for your constant support and love.
Chapter 1
Caleb swallowed salt water and then spit it out in disgust. He lifted his head above the water; he knew his head had to be above the rolling waves. His arms burned from exhaustion. His legs churned to keep him afloat as he tried once again to swim parallel to break the undertow of the riptide. But no matter how hard he swam, he still couldn’t escape the sea’s grasp. It was as if the ocean wanted to trap him. He glanced at the shoreline. So close. Yes, so close. His surfboard crested several yards away, its leash underwater. If he ever reunited with his board, he’d have to check to see if the fin had cut the tether. Thunder rolled in the distance. If Caleb didn’t make shore soon, he’d be caught in a Florida lig
